Awakenings from Then ’til Now allows you to Embrace Your Past, Empower the Present, Enrich Your Future.

Welcome to Awakenings

Life IS history in the making. Every word we say, everything we do becomes history the moment it is said or done. Life void of memories leaves nothing but emptiness. For those who might consider history boring, think again: It is who we are, what we do and why we are here. We are certainly individuals in our thoughts and deeds but we all germinated from seeds planted long, long ago.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Do you remember the clothes line? Oh, what tales it would tell, if it could only speak. Even in its voiceless state it boldly flaunted the kind of underwear a person wore, sizes whether small, medium or large, color combinations that sometimes looked like fruit basket turnover, and of course, how many times the wash rags and dry cloths had been used (this was evidenced by the number of holes and dinginess in color).

What did it tell of the days when the line sagged from being overloaded? Well, before the age of the automobile, long before the jet plane, in order to visit friends and family people had to travel across rocky, dusty terrain either on foot, by horseback, buggy, stage coach or covered wagon. When they reached their destination, the stay normally was not just a few hours or merely one day, but stretched on for days, even weeks. Back then, when someone had company, the clothesline would proudly announce, "Company's here!" Swaying in the breeze one would find extra linens - sheets and pillow cases, cleaning rags, double (maybe triple) daily clothing - more of anything than what was exposed on a regular wash day. This was a time when outside claimed the visitation more than inside. Front porch chatter permeated the air as conversations centered about homes and families with tales of both happy and sad times since the last visit. Children romped and played in the yard until the dinner bell rang or someone shouted, "Come and get it!"

What signs of growth did the clothes line bear? A new member of the family has arrived! Cloth diapers and simple little shirts, all having been washed by hand, dangled one by one, row by row sometimes more than once a day. As for other children, ages of each child could be deciphered from the size and style of each article pinned carefully to the line. From infant to toddler to young child, the cycle of life could be traced as one item no longer found its place along the line and was replaced by another of larger size.

What about Papa and Mama? No modesty allowed here whatsoever! "Daddy needs a new pair of long johns," the clothes line would shout! Shades of grey or bleached white would boldly stretch outward as rays of sunlight filtered through the thin spots reflecting signs of wear. Then, of course, there were the flaps, not securely fastened, but openly catching the wind and flopping about in rhythmic motion with the breeze.

As for Mama, the clothes line had no mercy. No, sir! Panties, bras, petticoats, you name it, all swayed unblushingly as the heat of the noonday sun belted down upon the fabric until every last drop of moisture was sucked up into the clouds. Want to know how much time Mama stayed in the kitchen? Just check out the aprons! On some days it would be hard to tell which burdened the clothes line the most - the diapers or the aprons.

On any given day, one could ascertain the comings and goings, wants and needs of a family just by inspecting its clothes line! On Sundays, the clothes line would get its rest as the dirty laundry would just have to wait one more day.

What about today? Are the clothes lines still carrying their heavy loads or have they been replaced by the modern-day machine that whirls and twirls until what was once a soggy mess becomes soft and fluffy? It is certain the clothes line has not completely become reminiscent of the past but its viability might be questioned.

Let's put it to a test. . .

What are the steps for machine drying?

Wash the clothes (obviously)

Remove from washer

Separate any items that do not go into the dryer

Place said items on hangers to air dry

Load the dryer with the remaining items

Decide on the temperature setting (Will same temp suffice for all items dried together or will the items need to be sorted and await their time?)

Set the dryer time (best guess)

Listen for the buzzer to announce cycle is over hoping the clothes are dry at the end of this time

What are the steps for line drying?

Wash the clothes (obviously)

Remove from washer

Place all clothes in carrying basket along with clothes pins

Hang all clothes on the line while enjoying the fresh air

Let the sun do the rest of the work (rainy days you get to rest)

Ah-h-h-h-h! The smell of sundrying beats any dryer sheets on the market! What do you think - would you be willing to air your (clean) laundry?

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Thank you for stopping by!

Hope you enjoyed your visit as you journeyed through a flashback in time.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Yesterday, Awakenings' sister site,catnipoflife, featured a reflection about Pen Pals.Ah-h-h! Those were the days when letters were considered treasures since they were personally hand-written. But, have you ever thought about writing during Colonial times? Keep in mind we are looking back, way back, before the manual typewriter, the Bic pen, even the #2 pencil, all the way back to the 17th century.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Sometimes a happening crosses your path most unexpectedly. You know, like being in the right place at the right time. What are the chances of popping into Twitter just at the moment a Tweet request appears stating "Retweet if you think these soldiers deserve a phone call."

Would that message grab your attention? Well, it did mine and without further ado, I would like to share what you may have missed unless you were Tweeting at the same time.

These guys and gals WORK HARD for YOU, for AMERICA!

"It is important to take a break and have some fun every once and a while, whether you're back in the states hanging with friends and family, or serving your country under the unrelenting Afghanistan sun." ~Eric Raum

What an awesome idea and video! Too many people simply accept the role of those in the military but do not truly take the time or effort to let everyone know how much they appreciate all that goes on in, out and behind the scenes of military life. Without our military, there would be NO United States of America! Support our troops for without them you would not be enjoying America's freedoms!

Friday, July 20, 2012

Few letters from the Civil War are more famous than that of Major Sullivan Ballou (left) of the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers to his wife, Sarah. An excerpted
version, with minor word modifications, was featured prominently at the
conclusion of part one of Ken Burns's landmark PBS documentary "The Civil War"
and touched the hearts of millions of viewers. Due to the length of the original
letter, Civil War Dads also features an excerpted version but with the
original wording. Read more. . .

For a poignant recitation of Major Ballou's letter, click the video link below. As you listen to the heart-rending words Sullivan left for his beloved wife, Sarah, think about the soldiers deployed or being deployed today, those who have left or will leave their families, loved ones and homes for engagement in war and protest to protect America and her freedoms. Think about those at home, as well as abroad, who defend America, her land, her country, her people. Think about all the freedoms you enjoy today that would not be available had it not been for the hope, faith and courage of our ancestors.

Since very view (in fact, only two) have been identified let's add a little trivia to help you decide. Here are the names and focus on the decades from 1920s through 1960s. Keep in mind the names or pictures are in NO particular order.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

What is life
without history? Isn’t life itself history in the making? Every word we say,
everything we do, becomes history the moment it is said or done. Life void of
memories leaves nothing but emptiness. For those who might consider history to
be boring, think again; it is who we are, what we do, and why we are here. We
are certainly individuals in our thoughts and deeds, but we all germinated from
seeds planted long, long ago.
~Awakenings Foreword

As of late I have been saddened by the signs of declining patriotism in America. All to well do I remember 1976 when Kate Smith belted out God Bless America with such strong conviction the words struck heavily into the soul of every American! Of course, her debut goes back to days of the radio when on November 10, 1938 the original FIRST broadcast radio performance of God Bless America by Irving Berlin was introduced by none other than Kate Smith. All to well do I remember streets lined with America flags in honor of those serving or who have served in the military forces of the United States of America: Those who have left their homes, families and loved ones to defend America's honor and freedom. All to well do I remember. . .

The inspiring anthem, God Bless America, impacted young and old as emotions swelled bringing forth an avalanche of tears because of America's sovereighty. This was a time of pride in a country represented as the land of the free and the home of the brave. People felt good about America and what she stood for. . .

What has happened to the genuine, heartfelt love of our country? Have we stopped believing in the values and purpose set forth by our forefathers penned in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States? Have we forgotten the sacrifices made for freedom and liberty?

A grave
price is being paid every moment of every day of the year for all the freedom America
has to offer. Let us not forget those who have fought or are fighting for our
nation; they are the epitome of the human spirit calledfreedom!

Friday, July 13, 2012

The American Revolution, one of the most pivotal events in American history, was not over with the signing of the Declaration of Independence or the ringing of the Liberty Bell. The American War of Independence spanned the years from 1775 to 1783: April 19, 1775 to September 3, 1783, 8 years, 137 days. What began as a war between the Kingdom of Great Britain and the growing United States of America gradually expanded to a global war: Great Britain stood staunchly on one side while the United States, France, Netherlands and Spain secured their places on the other.

With the American Army struggling in the last stages of the war, the French, allied with the Americans since 1778, became the glimmer of hope. Read more @ Eyewitness to History.com

America's Final Victory - 1781

On September 3, 1783, the United States and Great Britain signed the Treaty of Paris acknowledging the United States to be free, sovereign and independent states.

Friday, July 6, 2012

'The modern bikini was introduced by French engineer Louis Réard and fashion designer Jacques Heim in Paris in 1946. Réard named his swimsuit the “bikini”, taking the name from the Bikini Atoll, one of a series of islands in the South Pacific where testing on the new atomic bomb was occurring that summer.’

The swimsuit was so tiny it fit in the small box
she is holding in her right hand.

Swimsuits haven't always been typically baring. Peruse some
of the earlier 'models' that led the way to the bikini. Which ones do you
sometimes still see today? Which would you like to be available once again?
Think carefully for you just may get your wish. Fashion is always going back in
time presenting reflections on yesteryear.

Cover-up, cover-up, cover-up is the way of swimwear in the
1880s until about the early 1900s. Women are not supposed to reveal too much
skin for that would present too much ogling by the men! Swimsuits of this era
resemble dresses thereby allowing for very little exposure to man, as well as
the blazing sun! Not much chance for a bronze suntan, girls!

Fashion history makes waves in the Roaring Twenties as styles
take on a curvish nature -daring and sexier - allowing for more skin exposure.
Liberated from long skirts, the introduction of the sleeveless tank suit huggs
every body curve making women feel sexier than ever. However, restrictions
are still in place (time isn't right yet for complete freedom): a city ordinance requires swimsuits to not be
more than six inches above the knee! Imagine that! Um-m-m? Prelude to the mini-skirt?

Bearing some relationship to the swimsuit of today is the
one-piece backless suit of the 1930s. Not as ugly as in the twenties, the suits
become more sleek with scooped out backs to allow for tanning. Women during
this era like to show off their tanned backs in backless and low-backed
dresses. Favorite colors: navy, white, cream, grey, black and buff with touches
of red. Also in this era, is the introduction of the two-piece swimsuit leading
up to the bikini in the mid-1940s.

Does this one seem more your style, more on the oval side than round?

Darling 40s

"All my life I have been looking for class...but this, is real class!"

The 1940s are very popular for their halter top bathing
suits promoting the sexy corset-style. Introduced are a darling two piece with
bloomer-style bottoms and the stripy one piece. Some were even designed with
straps that unfastened to prevent tan lines. This one would most definitely be
admired by the sun bather!

Do you perhaps find this one a little more alluring to your style and taste?

Imitative of the recent past the styles of the fifties - fun and flattering retro-inspired swimsuits - blend the best of the old
with the best of the new. Detachable straps are still in during this era with
almost every woman appearing to be wearing what one would view as the equivalent
of a beach corset! Flowered, polka-patterned swimsuits evoke the cheery styles
of the 1950s with mustard being a popular color. These swimsuits epitomize perfection
for a day in the sun whether or not your intentions are cruising the
boardwalk.

Okay, this one has to be more of your liking - look at that cute little skirt! Yes?

In full swing, the beaches sing to the tune of the bikini:
Bryan Hyland kicks off the Decade of the Bikini with his smash hit Itsy-Bitsy,
Teeny-Weenie, Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini! The end of the 1950's, the waistline has
been lowered and the fascination of the day is "the navel." The young
and the restless lead the way with the shrinking bikini BUT not far behind are women
of all ages.

The string bikini and thong bikini are revealed to the world, pushing the levels of public exposure to previously unheard of extremes. More recent one-piece swimsuits include revealing cutouts that leave very little to the imagination.

The theme of the nineties is still the rising legline with its correponding rising waistline thus closeing the midriff from the bottom up, and recovering the navel. Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, both men and women are arrested for wearing thongs on state property, e.g., state beaches. Therefore, they are worn at pools, on city, county and federal beaches, and occasionally, even on the street!

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About Me

Sharla is a graduate of Troy State University and an educator with a flair for writing in poetic verse. Her latest book, Awakenings from Then ’til Now is available from Tate Publishing. It is dedicated to those who laid the foundation and established the platform for our American freedom: those who have served in the past, presently serve, or will serve our military forces in the future. A profound appreciation is extended for the sacrifice of these brave men and women who left or will leave their homes and family to ensure America’s freedom endures.

A grave price is being paid every moment of every day of the year for all the freedom America has to offer. Let us not forget those who have fought or are fighting for our nation; they are the epitome of the human spirit called freedom!